The Virgen del Carmen is a venerated figure throughout the world, especially in the Christian community. But did you know that the image that has traditionally been associated with it may not be the true one? There is an original image of the Virgen del Carmen that is located in the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites in Seville, in Spain. In this article, we will explore the story behind this image and its importance to devotees of the Virgen del Carmen.
Location of the Virgen del Carmen?
The Virgen del Carmen is a Marian devotion that originates from Mount Carmel, in Israel. According to tradition, the prophet Elijah built an altar there dedicated to God and the Virgin Mary. Later, in the 12th century, a group of hermits settled on Mount Carmel and adopted the Virgen del Carmen as their patron saint.
Currently, the image of the Virgen del Carmen is found in many parts of the world, but its most recognized location is in the Sanctuary of Carmen de Maipú, in Chile. This image is known as the “Morenita” and is found in a dressing room located behind the main altar of the sanctuary.
Another important location of the Virgen del Carmen is in the Monastery of El Carmen de San José, in Ávila, Spain. There is the original image of the Virgen del Carmen that was delivered by the Carmelite Order to Santa Teresa de Jesús in the 16th century.
In Latin America, the Virgen del Carmen is highly revered and is found in numerous temples and sanctuaries. In Peru, for example, the image of the Virgen del Carmen is carried in procession through the streets of the city of Paucartambo during the festival in her honor.
The truth behind the Virgen del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen is one of the most popular Marian devotions in the Catholic world. Her image is venerated in different countries and is known for her brown and white clothing, and for wearing the Carmelite scapular.
However, what is the true image of the Virgen del Carmen?
Actually, the image of the Virgen del Carmen does not have a clear origin. Some scholars claim that its origin dates back to the 12th century, when the hermits of Mount Carmel created a religious order dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Others believe that its origin is found in the Middle Ages, when sailors adopted it as their protector.
What is known is that the image of the Virgen del Carmen has been represented in different ways throughout history. In some images, the Virgin appears with the Child Jesus in her arms, while in others she appears alone or surrounded by angels.
As for her clothing, the image of the Virgen del Carmen has been represented with different colors. Some images of her show her in a brown and white robe, while others depict her in a blue and white robe.
Despite these differences in the representation of the Virgen del Carmen, what is important is her message of love and protection towards her faithful. The image of the Virgen del Carmen is a reminder that Mary is always present in our lives, interceding for us before her Son Jesus Christ.
Origin of the name Virgen del Carmen
The Virgen del Carmen is a very popular Marian dedication in the Catholic Church. Her name comes from Mount Carmel, a mountain located in Israel that means “garden” or “vineyard of God” in Hebrew. The first Carmelite hermits settled in this place, who later founded the Order of Carmen.
Devotion to the Virgen del Carmen spread rapidly in Spain and Latin America thanks to the evangelizing work of the Carmelites. In the 17th century, the Hermandad del Carmen was founded in Seville, which became one of the most important brotherhoods of Holy Week in this city.
The image of the Virgen del Carmen is represented as a young and beautiful woman, with the Child Jesus in her arms and wearing a Carmelite habit. This image symbolizes the maternal protection of Mary over her faithful and the devotion of the Carmelites towards her.
Currently, the Virgen del Carmen is venerated throughout the world as the patron saint of sailors and people who work at sea. She is also regarded as a protector of the sick, the poor, and the needy.
Sighting of the Virgen del Carmen
In the year 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a Carmelite monk, in England. According to tradition, the Virgin gave her the scapular of Carmen, a garment that became one of the most popular symbols of Marian devotion.
But devotion to the Virgen del Carmen is not limited to the scapular. In many parts of the world, the festival of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated on July 16. On this date, processions take place and images of the Virgin are carried on litters adorned with flowers.
One of the most famous sightings of the Virgen del Carmen occurred in 1981, in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. According to witnesses, the Virgin appeared to a woman named Ángela, who was in her house praying the rosary. The image of the Virgin, who had a crown of stars and a blue cloak, faded after a few minutes.
This sighting was considered a miracle by many faithful, and a sanctuary was built in honor of the Virgen del Carmen in the place where the apparition occurred. Since then, the image of the Virgen del Carmen in Guayaquil has become a symbol of protection and hope for the inhabitants of the city.
After learning more about the true image of the Virgen del Carmen, we can understand the importance of this Marian dedication to the Catholic faith. Also, we can appreciate the art and history behind this sacred image. It is important to remember that the image of the Virgen del Carmen represents the faith, hope and protection that Mary, our heavenly Mother, offers us. May her love and her intercession always accompany us on our journey of faith.
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